Watercraft Immobilizing System

ABSTRACT

A sub-surface watercraft immobilizing system and method which may be deployed from any vessel to provide primary passive defense against one or more attacking watercraft(s), fitted with marine engine(s). The system is designed to provide practical all round coverage and consists of a sub-surface towed array/entanglement system of wires and/or spectra/nylon lines weighted for neutral buoyancy, deployed from removable/replaceable cartridges that may be disposable or refurbished. The towed array/entanglement system uses outriggers, weighted submersible rollers and spreaders. A system of secondary and possibly tertiary tentacles is deployed from the primary lines just below the water surface to foul and immobilize propellers and engine cooling water intakes. This is a non-lethal system designed to render one or more detected, or undetected, attacking watercraft inoperative or ineffective.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 0070/017,432, filed Jan. 25, 2007, entitled “Watercraft Arresting System” and associated U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/656,979, filed Feb. 28, 2005, entitled “Boat Trap Air Delivery System”.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This subject invention relates to systems and methods for immobilizing one or more attacking watercraft including, but not limited by means of a passive towed sub-surface entanglement system, by means of which the attacking watercraft(s) maneuverability is restricted or rendered immobile by entanglement of it's propeller(s) or water intake(s).

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Maritime piracy (including potential acts of terrorism) against unarmed commercial and non-commercial vessels has become very prevalent in recent years. There were around 160 recorded attacks in 2008, although only a third of this figure resulted in successful attacks. Such attackers have proven that the use of high speed conventionally powered watercraft is highly effective and very difficult to deter. Prior experience in the Gulf of Aden, where the frequency of pirate attacks are at an all time high, have shown that successful attacks are conducted during twilight hours, from astern of and on the port quarter the targeted vessel. Pirates usually favor vessels that are alone, slow moving and loaded, hence with low freeboards. International flag vessels, cargoes and crews are being hijacked and the attackers are then demanding very high ransoms to release such captured vessels and it is the general policy of insurance companies to pay such ransoms. The current deterrents being utilized, generally favor the use of armed guards, however International Authorities do not recommend these tactics for fear of aggravating any attack. By immobilizing the attacking watercraft(s) in a non-lethal way before they are in effective range, the hijacking can be effectively thwarted.

It is therefore concluded that there is a need for a primary stand alone, passive, non-lethal and cost effective defense system to efficiently immobilize such attacking watercraft(s) (whether detected or undetected) allowing Authorities operating in such areas to more effectively detain such hijackers. It is believed that extensive implementation of this system will deter future hijackings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a passive shield around a vessel to immobilize attacking high speed watercraft.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such effective non-lethal immobilization at the maximum range from the vessel.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such an immobilizing system which is easy to use.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such a system which is relatively inexpensive when compared to other systems.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such primary defense as to render the protected vessel unassailable.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such immobilization to various engine configurations by fowling propellers and water intakes.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such defense against one or more attacking watercraft using one or more engines.

It is a further object of the invention to provide such passive defense against undetected targets.

This subject invention features a watercraft engine immobilization system comprising a subsurface entanglement system to provide practical all round coverage and engine immobilization by a towed array of wires and or nylon lines. The system maybe deployed prior to sighting attacking watercraft, to provide a passive, but active and effective shield around all assailable faces of the vessel.

This subject invention features a sub-surface towed array of entanglement lines, wires and/or nylon/spectra lines, with or without biodegradability, which are weighted for neutral buoyancy and a system of secondary and possibly tertiary tentacles deployed just below the water surface, via removable/replaceable cartridges that may be disposable or refurbished when the array is damaged.

This subject invention features five banks of storage rollers, featuring multiple removable line cartridges, that in the preferred embodiment may be easily, rapidly and remotely deployed and recovered by means of electric motors. Each bank features secondary winches at the extremities, which can also be operated remotely by electric motor. These winches store the wire that deploys the weighted submersible dual rollers system for each bank. The weighted dual rollers are designed to place the towed array below the surface immediately adjacent to the various storage cartridges. These rollers may be further prevented from riding up above the water surface by utilization of preventer wires that are led from the roller extremities to a strong point on deck forward of the roller installation. The main bank is mounted off the vessel's transom. Two transom outriggers, one at each extremity, are designed to deploy a second and third bank of storage rollers also featuring multiple removable line cartridges. The weighted submersible dual rollers in the way of these aft outriggers are designed to be connected to the extremities of the weighted submersible dual rollers of the main transom bank, effectively forming one rigid unit. Deep fins are situated at the outer extremities of these rollers the lines of the towed side arrays fouling the vessel's own propeller. Two additional outriggers, deployed at the vessel's forward shoulders (port and starboard sides) are designed to deploy a forth and fifth bank of storage rollers also featuring multiple removable line cartridges. These banks are similarly fitted with powered submersible dual rollers to effectively deploy the side arrays and shield the vessel's sides. The only positions not protected by the towed array ar the bow areas forward of the shoulder outriggers, where the bow wave creates a highly dangerous position for smaller boats to attack. Each cartridge is designed to deploy multiple main lines and an array of sub-tentacles through the adjacent submersible rollers. The ends of each of the main lines for each cartridge are held in a submerged pattern by weighted spreader bars, which may be suitably finned for improved stability.

In the preferred embodiment each bank is designed to deploy up to 3000 feet of submersible towed array of entanglement lines supporting multiple sub tentacles in a varying pattern to give practical full all round protection and to maximize the arresting affect of the attacking watercrafts propeller(s) or various water intake systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the deployment methodology of the towed array, showing positioning of the main transom bank of storage rollers, aft outrigger banks and forward shoulder outrigger banks. Also indicated are the forward wire stays for each outrigger.

FIG. 2 Shows the extremity of each cartridge's towed array of wire and/or nylon weighted line. The extremity is fitted with a steel spreader which may be finned for underwater stability. Also shown is the staggered secondary line sequence.

FIG. 3 Is a stern view of the above and underwater configuration. Also indicated is the positioning of the main transom roller storage bank showing six separate cartridges (A), cartridge mounts/bearings (B), main bank electric drive motor (C), submersible weighted dual guide rollers (D) and supporting winch/motor (E), stern outrigger assembly (F) and deep fin (G) to protect vessel's own propeller and towed array lines deployed from one cartridge (H).

FIG. 4 Shows the weighted sub-surface dual rollers of the main transom storage bank (A), the weighted sub-surface dual rollers of the stern outrigger storage bank (portside) (B), The rigid cross connection (C), main support wires (D), deep finned propeller protector, side towed array (F) stern towed array (G) and portside fore stay to prevent roller assembly from running aft underway (H).

FIG. 5 Shows aft view of portside shoulder outrigger assembly (A), pivot mount (B), supporting stanchion (C), support wire (D), four towed array cartridges (E), towed array drive motor (F), submersible weighted guide rollers (G) and supporting winch/motor (H).

FIG. 6 Shows side view of portside shoulder outrigger assembly (A), pivot mount (B), supporting stanchion (C), towed array cartridges (D), cartridge mount/bearing (E), submersible weighted guide rollers (F) and supporting winch/motor (G), support wires (H) forward wire stay (I) and portside towed array (I).

FIG. 7 Shows cross section through main transom storage roller bank, seen from portside (A), towed array cartridge (B), cartridge mount assembly/bearing (C), submersible weighted guide rollers (D) and supporting winch/motor (E), support wires (F) transom towed array (G) and pre-existing vessel bulwark (H).

FIG. 8 Shows cross section through a cartridge support flange (A), flange bearing (B), flange intermediate connection shaft (C), removal keyed cartridge shaft (D), disposable array cartridge (E) and cartridge locking ring (F).

FIG. 9 Shows three dimensional sketch of one cartridge unit with deployment one primary, secondary and tertiary lines.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, (FIG. 1) indicates the coverage pattern of the subsurface towed array/entanglement system and positioning of the main storage and outrigger banks relative to the protected vessel. The main storage bank spans the complete width of the vessel's transom. Adjacent to the main transom bank are two stern quarter outriggers (port and starboard sides). These stern mounted outriggers are designed to deploy extensions of the main transom towed array/entanglement system to the full width of the protected vessel's parallel body and the length of the quarter outriggers is proportional to the difference between the length of the main transom bank and the overall beam of the vessel being protected. The towed stern array/entanglement lines extends aft of the vessel not less than 3000 feet. The forward shoulder outriggers deploy side towed arrays/entanglement lines of not less than 20 feet in width/span, off the port and starboard sides. These side towed arrays/entanglement lines extend aft at least 3000 feet and overlap the stern mounted towed array/entanglement lines, outboard of the deep fin positioned at the extremities of the stern quarter dual submersible roller component.

In the preferred embodiment there are five banks of storage rollers (transom, port quarter, starboard quarter, port shoulder and starboard shoulder). Each storage bank deploys towed array of entanglement lines comprises multiple main lines of not more than 4 inches apart, consisting of wire and/or nylon/spectra. The multiple main lines deployed from each cartridge are weighted for neutral buoyancy and are fitted with weighted end spreaders (FIG. 2). These spreaders may be finned for increased underwater stability and/or interlinked to adjacent spreaders.

All of the main lines of the subsurface entanglement system are fitted with secondary and/or tertiary shorter lines of similar or smaller diameter, with varying lengths and staggered placement of intervals of not more than five feet along the main lines of the towed array/entanglement system. Marine engines are designed to move water in various ways, for example through open or enclosed propellers, through jet engines and through cooling systems. This entanglement system is designed to naturally move with this water into the attacking vessel's propellers, cooling intakes or jet intakes, hence ceasing, fouling or stopping all associated moving parts and stopping the engine(s). Any entangled lines will then part when the full weight of the towed attacking boat is exerted of the towed array, hence release the boat adrift and immobilized. Damaged sections of the towed array/entanglement system can be renewed/replaced by removing and inserting a new or reconditioned cartridge. Cartridges should include the neutrally weighted multiple main lines, secondary and tertiary lines along with the end spreader component.

The main transom bank of storage rollers maybe fitted by steel brackets to the vessel's existing structures, such as the aft bulwark (FIG. 7). The body of this component supports multiple flanges which incorporate intermediate stainless steel shafts and bearings. The intermediate shaft ends are notched to receive the removable stainless steel cartridge shafts (FIG. 8). These shafts can then be locked in place by the rotatable locking rings (FIG. 8 f) positioned at each and in the way of the flanges. The cartridge shafts have splines or key ways (FIG. 8 d) to prevent the cartridges from rotating on the shaft. The complete shaft assembly is then driven by a centrally mounted electric motor (FIG. 3 c) which may be remotely controlled. This shaft assembly should also be fitted with a locking device to prevent forced rotation when the subsurface entanglement system is deployed. Secondary winches (FIG. 3 e) similarly powered by electric motors are situated at the main transom bank storage rollers. These winches store the support wires for the main transom bank dual submersible weighted roller system (FIG. 3 d & FIG. 4). These inches can be similarly locked when the dual submersible roller system is deployed. These submersible rollers are designed to place the subsurface towed entanglement system just below the water and immediately below the transom storage bank.

Stern quarter outriggers are similar in design to the larger shoulder outriggers (FIG. 5). These outriggers may also be rotated parallel to the vessel's main axis and removed when not in use and locked in stowed or deployed positions. The body of the outrigger similarly supports multiple flanges that incorporate intermediate stainless steel shafts and bearings. The intermediate shaft ends are similarly notched to receive the removal stainless steel cartridge shafts that are similarly locked in place. The complete quarter outrigger shaft assemblies are then driven by inboard mounted electric motors which may be remotely controlled. These quarter outrigger shaft assemblies should also be fitted with locking devices to prevent forced rotation when the subsurface entanglement system is deployed. Secondary winches similarly powered by electric motors are situated at the extremities of the quarter outrigger storage bank rollers. These winches store the support wires for the quarter outrigger bank dual submersible weighted roller system (FIG. 3 d & FIG. 4). These winches can be similarly locked when the dual submersible roller system is deployed. These submersible rollers are designed to lock into place adjacent to the main transom dual submersible rollers to form one rigid unit. These units similarly place the subsurface towed entanglement system just below the water and immediately below the quarter outrigger storage banks. The outboard extremities of these submersible dual rollers are fitted with deep fins (FIG. 3 g & FIG. 4 f) to prevent the towed side arrays/entanglement systems from coming into contact with the protected vessels own propeller(s). The submersible dual roller extremities may also be fitted with fore stays (FIG. 4 h) to prevent the assembly from riding aft and away from the vessel's transom.

The larger forward outriggers (FIG. 5), situated port and starboard shoulders of the protected vessel, are similar in design to the smaller stern quarter outriggers. These outriggers may also be rotated parallel to the vessel's main axis when not in use and locked in stowed or deployed positions. The body of the outrigger similarly supports multiple flanges which incorporate intermediate stainless steel shafts and bearings (FIG. 8). The intermediate shaft ends are similarly notched to receive the removal stainless steel cartridge shafts which are similarly fixed in place by the rotatable locking ring (FIG. 8 f). The complete shoulder outrigger shaft assemblies are then driven by inboard mounted electric motors which may be remotely controlled. These shoulder outrigger shaft assemblies should also be fitted with locking devices to prevent forced rotation when the subsurface entanglement system is deployed. Secondary winches similarly powered by electric motors are situated at the extremities of the shoulder outrigger storage bank rollers. These winches store the support wires for the shoulder outrigger bank dual submersible weighted roller system (FIG. 5 g). These winches can be similarly locked when the dual submersible roller system is deployed. The submersible dual roller extremities may also be fitted with fore stays connected via bridles (FIG. 61) to prevent the assembly from riding aft and away for beneath the shoulder outrigger assembly. 

1. A watercraft immobilizing system comprising a sub-surface towed array of entanglement lines and deployment systems which may be deployed and recovered from any vessel during normal operating speeds, to entangle propellers and water intakes of one or more attacking watercraft and to provide a primary, passive, non-lethal sub-surface defensive shield to effectively prohibit hijackers from boarding the protected vessel whilst underway.
 2. The system of claim 1 in which the sub-surface entanglement system comprises multiple towed lines of not more than 4 inches apart, consisting of wire and/or nylon/spectra with or without biodegradability which are deployed from banks of storage rollers, and spread out, by the forward movement of the vessel, up to 3000 feet astern of and at least to a width of 20 feet along the sides of the protected vessel.
 3. The system of claim 1 in which the sub-surface entanglement system lines of each cartridge are held in pattern by an end spreader that may be finned for underwater stability and/or attached to adjacent spreaders.
 4. The system of claim 1 in which the sub-surface entanglement system lines are fitted with secondary and possibly tertiary shorter lines of similar and/or smaller diameter, with varying lengths and staggered placement of intervals of not more than five feet along the main lines of the towed array.
 5. The system of claim 1 in which the sub-surface entanglement system lines may be weighted for neutral buoyancy.
 6. The system of claim 2 in which the main bank of storage rollers are mounted off the vessels transom. Two transom outriggers, one at each extremity, are designed to deploy a second and third bank of storage rollers, and two additional outriggers, situated at the vessel's forward shoulders (port and starboard sides) are designed to deploy a fourth and fifth bank of storage rollers for practical all round protection.
 7. The system of claim 2 in which each bank of storage rollers is made up of multiple removable/replaceable cartridges that may be discarded or reconditioned, mounted on removable keyed spindles.
 8. The system of claim 2 in which each bank of storage rollers may be deployed remotely by electric motor and locked when deployed or stored.
 9. The system of claim 2 in which each bank of storage rollers features two secondary winches at the extremities that store the wire that suspends and deploys the weighted submersible dual roller system for each bank.
 10. The system of claim 6 in which the outriggers are deployed in the perpendicular position, but can be swiveled parallel to the vessel and locked in either the deployed or storage positions.
 11. The system of claim 9 in which the submersible weighted dual rollers hold the towed array of entanglement lines below the sea surface adjacent to the deployment bank. Secondary means of securing submersible dual rollers below the deployment banks are via wires positioned at the roller extremities and led forward to prevent the dual roller assembly from riding aft and above the sea surface.
 12. The system in claim 9 in which the submersible weighted dual rollers of the aft main transom bank and two quarter banks may be fixed to each other to form one unit.
 13. The system of claim 12 in which the outboard extremities of the aft submerged dual roller system are fitted with deep fins to prevent the towed side arrays from interfering with the protected vessel's own propeller. 